The National tribune., 1887-03-24
Department GleanIugs.
DEPARTMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS.

DEPARTMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS,.
DEAR TRIBUNE: The Department Convention OF
Massachusetts the largest held during its seven
years history, ana the two days sessions were
noted for their interest, harmony and practical
suits The work Of Mrs :. Agnes Parker, Depart
ment President, universally commended by
the representatives present, aud her report was
received with appreciation. Mrs. Parker referred
To the cOuTtcsies extended by Department Com
mander Tobin, 4. A.-'ien. Monroe aud other COM
rades of the GA H. and also 10 The Couusels Of Past
National Presidents Mrs. l.. Florence Barker and
Mrs. Sarah H. Fuller. whose interest i'm the work
for this Department never waues.
The Department Senior NIce-Presdent Mrs L.
A. Turner, and Department Junior Vice President
Mrs. Emma Is. iOwd, presented interesting reports
The SecyctaTy's report showed the membership
Jan - as ; lij gain Of III during the year and
81 Corps with one soon 60 be instituted and an ~
pendturc OF over 5000 ia relief. The Treasurer
Alrs. Hattie A Ralph, reported all bills paid and
sdiu.a5 Is the balance Ia new account
The Chaplain Mary l.. Knowles reported many
facts Of interest tesiiying To the earnest co-opera
ion of the Corps la the Grand Army Obseryauces of
Memorial Day. The Inspector, Mrs. l.. A. Rice
presented n tabulHted statement which will appe,r
issued She also stated that the sum Of s. ISL .86
remained in the relief fund Oct. l. The Institutiug
and Installing Officer Mary NJ. Perry reported a
gain Of IL Corps during the year. Mrs. Perry has
travelled l3G miles ia the discharge Of her duties
The inspiring words Of NJ. Susie GuOdnls. Depart
mcnt Counselor and Past Department President
were listened To- with intense interest aud nll felt
thankful that restored health permitted her attend
anCe.
and Nellie 4. Price, Provisional President and Sec
re,ary OF Rhode Island. IL was voted To establish
Department fund for the relief of invalid veterans
VINO are unable To gam admission To the Soldiers
Home, owing To its crowded condition and financial
! aid WAS also rendered the Veterans Rights Union
4 and Employment Bureau. \ committee WAS ap-
pointed 10 confer with "A similar committee from
the GAR. ia regard To tile iountng of scholar
| ships for children OF veterans. testimonial was
voted Mrs. '. l.. Beedc, tire iTst Department Sec
| rotary The old Board of Officers were again
| chosen for 1857. anu were installed by Helen +.
johnson, Of the Council. Mrs L. 4. Rice having
resigned us Inspector, Annie l.. futile of Lowell
has been appointed To this position.
An audience ot many hundreds gathered at the
evening reception rendered by the Department Ia
| Gen. Lucius FaTchild, COMMUNICATE in Chief who
was accompanied by his stail.. Speeches wer,
made by the distinguished guc-ts. and inspiring
! songs rendered 10y the Grand Army Quartette oi
Chelsea. Mrs. Battels Mrs. Fuller aud Mrs Turner
| represented the National Relief Corps, aud the
Department President (whO presidcdl aud mem
bers OF the stan also responded. The c. Il. En-
campment having adjourned about 9 o'clock ia,
members entered the hall accompanied by fiv,
Past Department Commanders who paid eloquent
tributes To the W.R.C. Letters were received
from GoveTnor Oliver Ames, Past Commander in
Chief Paul Van DeTvoort, Past National Presideu
Mr., Kate H. Sherwood aud Others, expressing re-
grets at enforced absence. The meeting continued
with unabated interest until nearly II oclOck.
The reception rendered Commander-in- Chic
Fairchild in behalf of the W.R.C. was an occasion
ever TO be remembered. Mrs. Turner Natioua
Treasurer, presided and was surrounded by MANY
distinguished guests. There were numerous fora
hliA Ailt paiAhiS utlu bAn4ue
hall Of Houng's Hotel presented an attractive
scene. Mrs. Barker, Mrs Fuller and Mrs Wheeler
assisted as Reception Committee. Mrs. Sherwood
Past National President, sent complimentary
greeting, which was read by Col. Barker.
Miss Clara Barton, Ia "A letter to the Department
President Of Massachusetts, writes follows: -
am glad of all those days (the California excursion)
and the Kind and tender memories they have con
tributed To my stoTe-house. l wish never to los,
them, and ann going To hope that favoring time
shall let Us again revive the impression. was de
lighted 10y the news You gave me OF the present {,